Harmonic actuator
Spinea DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators
Rotary actuators combining an AC servo motor with a zero-backlash TwinSpin cycloidal reducer and a hollow shaft of 8 to 40 mm, in ten sizes with 18 to 420 Nm rated output torque.
Key specifications
| Bore | 8–40 mm |
|---|---|
| Rated torque | 18–420 Nm |
| Sizes | DSH 050, 070, 075, 085, 095, 110, 115, 125, 155, 170 |
| Motor | AC servo motor |
| Options | Range of encoders and connections; parking brake on DSH 075 and DSH 095 |
Summarised in our own words from The Timken Company's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Gear is cycloidal (TwinSpin), not strain-wave; recorded under harmonic-actuators/harmonic-actuator as the closest gear+motor actuator type.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with The Timken Company. Spinea and DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with a Spinea part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These 3 series from our supply network are the closest match on published figures.
Hollow-shaft harmonic servo actuator: strain-wave gearing, motor, encoder and brake in one unit, run from a separate servo drive. Six frame sizes, from 48 VDC to 220 VAC.
| Published maximum | DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators | MAH |
|---|---|---|
| Peak torque | — | 800 Nm |
| Rated torque | 420 Nm | 557 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 125 rpm |
Large-bore version of the harmonic actuator with a frameless 16-pole motor, giving a much bigger through-hole for cabling. Two sizes.
| Published maximum | DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators | MAT |
|---|---|---|
| Peak torque | — | 800 Nm |
| Rated torque | 420 Nm | 557 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 102 rpm |
Compact robot-joint harmonic actuator with built-in EtherCAT/CANopen drive, dual 20-bit encoders and optional torque sensor, from 0.35 kg; aimed at humanoids and cobots.
| Published maximum | DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators | MGU |
|---|---|---|
| Peak torque | — | 762 Nm |
| Rated torque | 420 Nm | 557 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 68 rpm |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What a harmonic actuator is
A harmonic actuator is a rotary servo actuator that combines a strain-wave gear, a servo motor, a position encoder and often a brake in one compact housing. Many have a hollow shaft for cables, and some include the servo drive with a fieldbus interface. The strain-wave gear gives a high ratio with near-zero backlash, while a precision output bearing carries the load directly. The actuator is ready to mount as a robot joint or precision rotary axis.
When engineers choose a harmonic actuator
Choose a harmonic actuator for robot joints, positioners and precision rotary axes where compact size, zero backlash and fast integration matter. It saves the design effort of combining motor, gear, encoder and bearings. The trade-offs are cost and flexibility: the motor, gear ratio and feedback are fixed by the range, and torque limits are set by the strain-wave gear. For heavy shock loads, a cycloidal solution may be more robust.
How to specify the Spinea DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators variant or an equivalent:
- Rated and peak output torque (Nm)
- Output speed (rpm)
- Ratio (:1)
- Hollow shaft diameter (mm)
- Feedback: motor-side and output-side encoders
- Brake and integrated drive options
- Supply voltage and interface
Common mistakes to avoid
- Exceeding momentary torque in a collision
- Ignoring output bearing moment load
- Mismatching drive and encoder interface
- Forgetting heat in continuous duty
Spinea DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators: frequently asked questions
What is the Spinea DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators?
Rotary actuators combining an AC servo motor with a zero-backlash TwinSpin cycloidal reducer and a hollow shaft of 8 to 40 mm, in ten sizes with 18 to 420 Nm rated output torque. Published series figures include bore 8 mm, bore 40 mm, rated torque 18 Nm, rated torque 420 Nm. It is made by The Timken Company; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Spinea DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators?
The Spinea DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators is made by Spinea (The Timken Company) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with The Timken Company; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the bore of the Spinea DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators?
The published series minimum bore is 8 mm. Individual models and sizes in the DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the Spinea DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators?
Yes. On published figures, MAH and MAT are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the benefit of dual encoders on a harmonic actuator?
A motor-side encoder controls the motor, while an output-side encoder measures the joint position directly after the gear. This compensates for gear deflection and gives true absolute output position at power-up. Dual encoders improve accuracy and support safety and collision detection.
Can a harmonic actuator include its own drive?
Yes, some versions integrate the servo drive and communicate over EtherCAT, CANopen or similar networks. This reduces cabinet space and wiring. Other versions connect to a separate servo drive. Choose by machine architecture, cabinet space and the safety functions needed, such as safe torque off or functional safety over the network.
Further reading: How to select a harmonic actuator · Harmonic vs planetary vs cycloidal · Gearboxes and harmonic drives
Other harmonic actuator series
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators
Select every part you need, answer the questions an applications engineer would ask, and see your summary before we ask for any details.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
Engineer support
Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you
Tell us how you use the Spinea DriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.